Short & Long Answer Questions: The Mystery of Food | Our Wondrous World Class 5 - New NCERT PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What are microbes, and how do they spoil food?
Ans: Microbes are tiny living things invisible without a microscope. They grow on food with moisture, air, and warmth, causing mould and bad smells, making food unsafe.

Q2: Why does some food spoil faster than others?
Ans: Foods with high moisture, like bread or uttapam, spoil quickly as microbes thrive. Dry or preserved foods like pickles last longer by removing moisture or air.

Q3: Explain the drying method of food preservation.
Ans: Drying removes moisture from foods like chillies or mangoes under the sun. Without water, microbes cannot grow, allowing storage for months or years.

Q4: How does oil help in preserving pickles?
Ans: Oil creates a barrier that keeps air out, preventing microbial growth. This is why pickles covered in oil, like mango pickle, stay fresh for long periods.

Q5: What role does refrigeration play in food preservation?
Ans: Refrigeration lowers temperature, slowing microbe activity. It keeps items like milk or vegetables fresh longer than at room temperature.

Q6: How do spices like pepper preserve food?
Ans: Spices like pepper have natural properties that inhibit microbes. They were used historically to keep food from spoiling during long journeys.

Q7: What are good microbes and their benefits?
Ans: Good microbes help in digestion, like those in curd for upset stomachs. They also ferment idli batter, making it fluffy and aiding nutrient absorption.

Q8: Why is chewing food important?
Ans: Chewing breaks food into smaller pieces and mixes it with saliva for better digestion. Different teeth (incisors, canines, molars) help in cutting, tearing, and grinding.

Q9: What causes cavities, and how can they be prevented?
Ans: Cavities are holes from bacteria feeding on food particles. Prevent by brushing regularly, rinsing after meals, and eating fewer sweets.

Q10: How do traditional practices preserve seasonal fruits?
Ans: Methods like making aam papad from mangoes or drying lychees extend shelf life. Waiting for seasons increases enjoyment and preserves nutrition.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Describe various methods of food preservation with examples.
Ans: Preservation methods include 

• Drying (chillies for powder), oiling (pickles to block air), refrigeration (milk to slow microbes), and heating (butter to ghee).
• Salting or sugaring draws out moisture, while canning seals food airtight.
• These prevent spoilage by removing water, air, or warmth needed for microbes.
• Traditional spices like pepper add flavour and inhibit growth, ensuring food lasts longer.

Q2: Explain the role of microbes in food spoilage and digestion.
Ans: Harmful microbes cause spoilage by growing on moist food, forming mould and bad odours, leading to indigestion if eaten.

• Good microbes in curd aid digestion and upset stomachs.
• They ferment idli batter for fluffiness.
• Balancing microbes through hygiene prevents illness, while beneficial ones support health.
• Understanding this helps in safe food storage and consumption.

Q3: Discuss the importance of oral hygiene and the function of different teeth.
Ans: Oral hygiene prevents cavities from bacteria on unbrushed teeth.

• Brushing, rinsing, and dental check-ups maintain health.
• Incisors cut, canines tear, premolars crush, and molars grind food.
• Proper chewing releases saliva for digestion, avoiding choking.
• Neglecting hygiene leads to pain and tooth loss, while good habits ensure strong teeth for life.

Q4: How do home remedies and habits help with indigestion?
Ans: Indigestion from bad eating or spoiled food can be eased with curd's good microbes aiding stomach flora.

• Chewing slowly prevents choking and improves digestion.
• Remedies like buttermilk restore balance.
• Habits like eating seasonal fruits and avoiding gulping reduce issues.
• Consulting doctors for severe cases ensures safety, promoting overall well-being through mindful eating.

Q5: What lessons can be learned from traditional food practices in families?
Ans: Traditions like drying spices or pickling teach preservation without waste, using natural methods.

• Selecting fresh produce in markets ensures quality.
• Seasonal eating, like enjoying lychees yearly, builds appreciation.
• Sharing meals fosters family bonds.
• These practices promote sustainability, health, and cultural heritage, encouraging mindful consumption and reducing reliance on processed foods.